SEMA Show 2013 - Las Vegas, NV

Mustangs and Stang parts ruled the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The manufacturers scramble all summer to develop and test new products to release, shops take on the task of building SEMA-worthy rides, and stunning models ready their scant outfits for the automotive aftermarket's main event. If it's new and upcoming, then it's at the SEMA show.

If you're not familiar with SEMA or the SEMA show, here's a crash course. SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is an organization that consists of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, builders, racers, and even publishing companies. It works to protect the rights of those who drive modified or vintage vehicles by keeping tabs on Washington, D.C., and individual states. The SEMA show is where manufacturers and distributors exhibit their latest and greatest products or services. It's held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and is one of the largest conventions in the country.

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We attend the show every year to get the first look at potential feature cars, and more importantly, the latest parts. We use this week to fill our notepads with story ideas for the upcoming year. But in order for us to do this, there needs to be plenty of Mustang- and Ford-related parts and accessories on hand. It never disappoints, and this year was no exception.

In fact, we could dedicate this entire issue to this year's SEMA show. From new pushrod Ford engine parts to EcoBoost goodies and everything in between, there was plenty of fodder for Blue Oval enthusiasts. And on top of all that, we unveiled Hypersilver, our 25th Anniversary project. The next few pages highlight some of the coolest Stangs, parts, and babes that we saw at the SEMA show, so enjoy!

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The Big Unveil

If you've been following the build-up of Hypersilver, then you already know that our goal all along was to unveil it at the SEMA show. After all, it is the largest stage in the aftermarket. We had only begun a mere eight months beforehand, so finishing the build at all was a tall order, and finishing it the way (quality) we wanted to seemed almost impossible. But we trudged on.

What started as a bare (sandblasted and primed) shell on a rotisserie that we found on Craigslist, had to be transformed into a complete (and awesome) GT that would knock the socks off SEMA exhibitors and buyers. Chassis work began in March at Demon Motorsports, and by the end of July, Ryan Lowther had it all wrapped up. Then it was off to paint and body work at Spike's Performance. There, Dean Santiago worked his magic on the stock and aftermarket body panels, and then painted the Lightning Silver hue.

Last month, we brought to you Santiago putting the final touches on paint, and us hauling the freshly painted (still bare) shell to our tech center in Tampa. We actually delivered it to our office on September 26, exactly one month before it had to be on the hauler bound for Las Vegas. To say that we were under pressure would be a slight understatement. We made a promise to the companies involved, upper-level management, and you, the readers, and we were going to keep it.

We thrashed on it every day for a month until the very last minute, and somehow got it on the Reliable Transportation hauler in time. If anything important happened during that time period, then we probably missed it. Oh well.

We met the hauler in Vegas and pushed Hypersilver into the Source Interlink Media (MM&FF's parent company) booth in the Central Hall of the LVCC. Somehow we had scored a spot in the coveted Central Hall, where the Racing & Performance, Restoration Marketplace, and Hot Rod Alley categories are exhibited. With some help from our friend Jim Dvorak of Mothers, we shined her up and installed the black cloak that would keep her away from prying eyes until Tuesday, November 5, at 11:30 a.m. By 11:30, over 150 people were gathered to see the unveiling. There were other magazines, online news sources, video cameras, and even Mustang icons, like Steve Saleen.

After a short speech by Publisher Mike Essex, Evan Smith thanked our sponsored and signaled for the shroud to be removed. After a few seconds (which felt like an hour), the crowd began to clap and cheer, flashes were going off, and cameras rushed in to get a closer look at what we had created.

After months of hard work, blood, and sweat, we were proud to share Hypersilver with other Mustang and Ford enthusiasts. For a video of the unveiling, go to www.musclemustangfastfords.com and click the Videos tab.